'Dream come true' for Springbok giant Salmaan Moerat: 'Emotional moment for my family'

Salmaan Moerat attended his first media conference as a Springbok struggling with a hoarse voice that he apologised for immediately.

As a result, the towering 24-year-old Stormers lock kept his words succinct and purposeful.

After all, the former Junior Springbok skipper isn't in the national team to say things, he's been tasked with being in the thick of things and - in his customary unfussy manner - getting through mountains of work.

Moerat's determination and resurgence in terms of form has been particularly impressive given that his self-confessed dream of representing his country looked like it was hanging by a thread when he sustained a serious neck injury last year and unwittingly undermined that comeback with a knee injury.

Undaunted, the man from Paarl has emerged back stronger every time and is in line to make his international debut from the bench in Saturday's first Test against Wales at Loftus.

READ | Moerat selection a celebration of history: 'He's been destined to be a Springbok'

"It's an absolute dream come true. It is an emotional moment for myself and my family," said Moerat."This is something I have been working towards for a very long time and the opportunity is here now. I just want to contribute to the team, not do anything flashy but just execute well."The nice thing about being in this Springbok environment is that before you go to a Test match you know exactly what your role is and you're expected to execute."

He's also not overawed by the possibility of him having to build on the platform laid by the experienced duo of Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager during the weekend's on-field proceedings.

"It is obviously a comforting factor to play with senior players like Lood and Eben. They have helped me